What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your amputation may be planned. In this case, your doctor will review with you how it is done and what to expect. An emergency amputation may need to be done. This can happen because of trauma or life-threatening infection. In this case, you may not have this preparation.

Depending on the injury and location, your doctor may do some of the following before your surgery:

Imaging studies to look at the bones and surrounding tissue for evidence and location of disease or trauma, including:

Description of Procedure

An incision will be made into the skin of the affected limb or limb part. If needed, the muscles will also be cut. Blood vessels will be tied off or sealed to prevent bleeding. The bone will then be cut through. The diseased or damaged body part will be removed.

Muscle will be pulled over the bone. It will be sutured in place there. The remaining skin will be pulled over the muscle. The skin will be sewn to form a stump. A sterile dressing will be placed over the incision.

If severe infection is involved, the incision may be left open to heal.

How Long Will It Take?

This procedure can take 20 minutes to several hours. The length will depend on the type of amputation being done and your overall health.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

Your hospital stay will depend on the type of amputation you had. Typically:

Foot or toe amputation: 2-7 days

Leg amputation: 2 days to 2 weeks or more

Upper extremity: 7-12 days

Finger amputation: 0-1 day

Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

After surgery, you can expect some of the following:

The area involved will be elevated. This will decrease swelling.

Your limb will be dressed in bulky dressing, elastic bandage, or cast.

You will be encouraged to get up and walk as soon as possible.

Physical therapy will begin within a day or 2 of surgery. It will focus on improving strength and mobility.

You may wear a cast or special shoe for toe/foot amputations.

You may be given certain medications. This may include antibiotics or blood thinners.

You will be fitted with a prosthesis as soon as your wound has healed.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

Stitches will be removed within a few weeks of surgery. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Counseling may be recommended for the emotional trauma of an amputation.

Attend follow up appointments with your doctor. They will make sure you are healing well.

Maintain a healthy body weight for overall health and to make sure your prosthesis fits well.

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